Cleaner Energy, Better Jobs
August 15 - Over the past two days, Governor Patrick
has signed three historic bills further positioning Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship.
- The Global Warming law requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, with a reduction of up to 25 percent by 2020.
- The Green Jobs Act will provide support for the growth of a clean energy technology industry, helping Massachusetts to meet goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- And finally, the environmental bond bill authorizes $1.64 billion over five years for open space conservation, improvements at state parks and beaches, enhanced recreational facilities, and repair and reconstruction of dams, bridges and other transportation infrastructure owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Below, you can learn more about about the governor's commitment to a clean energy future, from this week's bill signings to the administration's Smart Growth/Smart Energy programs and more.
Learn more about the administration’s clean energy commitment
August 14-13 - Seizing an opportunity to solidify Massachusetts' role as a national leader in alternative energy technology, greenhouse gas reductions, and clean energy policy, Governor Deval Patrick signed three vital pieces of legislation.
Read the Energy and Environment bond bill press release Read the Global Warming Law and Green Jobs Act press release
July 28 - Governor Deval Patrick visited Mascoma Corporation in Boston to sign into 
law a historic biofuels bill -- "An Act Relative to Clean Energy Biofuels." The legislation expands the advanced biofuels sector in the Commonwealth, investing in one of fastest growing sectors of our economy and at the same time dealing with the rapidly escalating price of traditional gasoline. Today's bill signing builds off of the landmark Energy Bill signed earlier this month.
View photos from the event Read the press release Read the text of the bill
July 2 - Governor Deval Patrick traveled to the Museum
of Science in Boston to sign the Green Communities Act. The act is a comprehensive energy reform bill that resulted from close collaboration with House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray. The bill, which sets a new national standard in energy policy, was filed by Speaker DiMasi in 2007. "Today, Massachusetts has taken a giant step forward toward a clean energy future," said Governor Deval Patrick, who signed the bill at a ceremony at the Museum of Science. "This legislation will reduce electric bills, promote the development of renewable energy, and stimulate the clean energy industry that is taking root here in the Commonwealth."
Go to the video from this event View photos from the event
Listen to podcast audio file (right click to download and save) Read the transcript of the speech (opens in a new window) Read the press release
May 28 - Governor Patrick traveled to the New England Aquarium to sign the Oceans Act of 2008, which will require Massachusetts to develop a first-in-the-nation comprehensive plan to manage development in its state waters, balancing natural resource preservation with traditional and new uses, including renewable energy. “This legislation will make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to create a comprehensive plan for the management of its ocean waters,” said Governor Patrick. “This law will help protect our vital natural resources and balance traditional with new ones, such as renewable energy, that are also important to our future.”
Go to the video from this event View photos from the event Read the transcript of the speech (opens in a new window) Read the press release Read the text of the bill
May 1 - Governor Deval Patrick this morning delivered a 
speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce where he presented a comprehensive, ambitious strategy for taking national leadership in clean energy in response to record high energy prices and in recognition of the opportunities for jobs and economic growth in the burgeoning clean energy industry.
Go to the video from this event Read the transcript of the speech (opens in a new window) View photos from the event
April 23 - Seizing an opportunity to make Massachusetts a national leader in alternative fuels and clean energy policy, Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi today announced their support for developing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions without mandating the use of specific technology or fuels, and encouraging neighboring states in the Northeast to do the same.
April 22 - Governor Patrick visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to speak about his administration's clean energy accomplishments and initiatives and to participate in MIT's Earth Day celebration. The Earth Day event is part of the MIT Energy Initiative.
Go to the video from this event View photos from the event Read the transcript of the speech (opens in a new window)
April 22 - Governor Patrick joined Secretary of Energy and
Environment Ian Bowles, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan, and local school children for the official kick-off of the Commonwealth's recreational season at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. The governor also announced the Neponset River Esplanade Project, a new urban park emblematic of the Commonwealth Urban Parks that will be created under the Governor's energy and environment bond bill.